Ontario is home to 243…

Ontario is home to 243 species at risk of extinction. Already, routinely granted exemptions to the Act make it too easy for development and industry to tear up and cut through critical habitat.

A review of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act may be what wildlife need, but the government’s emphasis on creating “efficiencies for business” could make it even easier for industry to disturb and pollute nature where at-risk species need protections most. Changes to the Endangered Species Act should improve protections, not water them down even further.

This review won’t help species at risk if it doesn’t address exemptions that make it too easy for business and industry to do even more harm to critical habitat. Clearly defined no-go zones protect wildlife while creating efficiencies for business by making it clear where development won’t be permitted.

We need protections that lead to recovery for species-at-risk in Ontario– we don’t need changes that will drive more species to extinction. Half of Canada’s wildlife are in decline – by 83 per cent. I would like the Ontario government to be part of the solution.